Here's some comments from someone who's been "in the system" about crime in Tremont.  Very insightful and important to consider as we're moving forward.  Let's get the word out Tremont is NOT the place to do crime...

"Phil- A few words. When I was a Pre-Sentence Investigator with Cuy. Co. Court of Common Pleas, I interviewed a number of males who participated in armed robberies in your area. It was well known to them that there was very little police presence in Tremont and Ohio City and that's why they would target those areas. The guys lived on the east side and kept their weapons stashed there. They would get together and drive to Tremont to do the jobs in your neighborhood...to "go to work" so to speak. They would then drive back home and when they were done.They were well aware that many people thought that they were safe over there because no one wanted to advertise the crime levels because it would keep trendy people out of the area and would hurt the image and business These guys know this stuff because they do their homework and also because word spreads. They spend time casing the area looking for the best places to rob vulnerable people. Unfortunately robberies also can quickly turn into rape and murder. I also interviewed victims who moved away from there because the problems were not addressed.The community both residential and business have to work hand in hand on a very serious and maximum level of commitment with the police. Do you have this level of commitment on both sides and is it organized? Whether the police say they have the manpower or not...they will get it if the community gives them no option. They are a military type organization and can accomplish a lot in partnership. I know because I was a part of such an operation in response to the kind of chronic crime in a targeted neighborhood such as yours. Take a look at the crime statistics for your neighborhood over the past five years....the arrests....the complaints. Talk to the detectives. Have a meeting with the Commander of your District. This is a systemic problem."

-Phil Pavarini, Jr.

LinkedIn?  http://www.linkedin.com/in/philpavarinijr

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(JEFF CHIPLIS WAS SHOT BYA ROBBER ABOUT 12:30 AM - JUNE 12, 2010)This is just awful.  I'm so angry.  As with many people, I don't know what to do or say. 

In the recent past, I don't think ANY of the criminals came from our neighborhood.  These violent crimes are becoming a REGULAR OCCURRENCE rather than out of the ordinary.  The crooks come here because they think Tremont is where "the money" is.  They often come from outside Tremont.

Many people want to sushhhhhh things like this and not let the media pick up on it.  They're worried about their property values and the popularity of the neighborhood and businesses.  I agree.  But in my opinion, that's not the right thing to do... safety needs to come first.  We own two houses here and a few businesses... we have just as much vested interest here as many others.  But we need to be loud and vocal about what is happening in our neighborhood.  This is unacceptable.

We need for HIGH RESOLUTION NIGHT VISION cameras at EVERY entry and exit point to our neighborhood.  That includes freeway ramps, bus stops, etc.  If we had that, it would be much easier to go through and see who came in and out of the neighborhood, and would be much easier to identify the criminals.

Several steps down the road... I wouldn't be opposed to actual checkpoints at all the entrances and exits to our neighborhood.  That's better than being shot.  CPD is doing their best... but perhaps we need the NATIONAL GUARD to patrol our streets since they're stretched so thin.  It would give them good practice for Iraq and Afghanistan... it's arguably more dangerous on the streets here in Cleveland... time and time again people have come home from the war and gotten shot here.

I'm not a cry baby, but thinking about Jeff being hurt, of all people, leaves me in tears.

In the meantime, people need to be vigilant.  Travel in groups, or at least teams of 2.  Leave your lights on.  Don't walk around by yourself if you couldn't pass a sobriety checkpoint: that means you're impaired and the crooks have a big advantage.  If you have a weapon and have or see someone threatening the life of another person, shoot the bastard.  Get your CCW... even if you don't intend to carry, it would make a strong statement if we could say Tremont has the highest number of CCW holders in the city... IT'S A FACT criminals think twice when they know granny might be packing.  Block watch courses and self defense classes would help... but hey... who has time for that???  The last time a block watch class was given, it was a struggle to get a DOZEN PEOPLE out of more than 10k in tremont!!!!!! 

Yeah, my neighbors, my brothers and sisters, just keep doing what you have been... sit back and do nothing, and this will keep happening.  Duh.

This should be a call to get out of your houses, not be fearful and stay inside.  Individually, we are nothing.  Together, we are everything.

This is crazy. 

If any of my crazy haphazard off the wall rants above sound appealing to anyone, please email privately or post to group... would like to get started on an implementation plan.  Evil cannot prevail.

-PHIL

-Phil Pavarini, Jr.

LinkedIn?  http://www.linkedin.com/in/philpavarinijr